Trend II – Fabrics for your busy life Since forever, I’ve not been a coupon saver. But, who isn’t happy to save money and time with something you use everyday? Indoor/outdoor fabrics are a ‘what’s happening’ trend for use inside the home (almost as much as they are known for use on patio furniture). They… Read More

TREND 1 – Color makes a comeback inside the home I am not the best advocate of following trends. I steer toward classic design that is timeless. But, once in a while, I’ll see or use a design style that might be considered trendy. One of those trends is the use of color on the… Read More

If one of your goals this season is better health and the other is a more beautiful home, read on! According to the ‘Worlds Healthiest Foods’ website, eating apricots not only helps to protect your health. But you might also consider adding this colorful beta carotene fruit to feel better on the inside as well. But it’s great for other things as well,… Read More

In Barry Yeoman’s article “Why The Beach Makes Us Happy” the words “You come back from a beach vacation (or day trip) and find that you’ve got a verve, an energy” mean so much to those who love the Jersey Shore and the Connecticut or Long Island beaches. If you’ve been hesitant about taking a break and… Read More

Start With a Dream No matter where you are today, you may feel a lack of enthusiasm, or feel doubtful or anxious about the future. Maybe you are still a victim of the hurricane Sandy or working on a home renovation or all the above. Perhaps it all seems overwhelming – you need a quick re-start.… Read More

A few weeks ago I was invited by a coastal architect to discuss how we work with clients. Architect Paul Rugarber, AIA of PDR Designs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey asked if my clients include smart home technology when building or renovating a home. “Yes”, I replied (somewhat tentatively). Though I can’t say I’ve been… Read More

If you’re like most people, picking the right colors for your home can be a tricky if not frustrating task. You may like blue, but as soon as you step into a paint store, you’ll find more shades of blue than you thought were possible. Or, maybe you’re tired of your colors and want a… Read More

Part I – Kitchen and Open Plan Family Room Colors One of the hardest yet most important parts of creating your coastal home is your choice of color. Perhaps you are working on a whole house or maybe just a room. Either way, before you set foot in the kitchen and bath store, the… Read More

Something new under the Sun So far we’ve discussed 4 of the 5 Elements to consider when living or building a home near the coast – bright sunrises or sunsets, varying winds, salty air, nearness to the water and sand. The last of the 5 Elements covers how to deal, manipulate, or live in a home that is challenged… Read More

How to select flooring for a Coastal Home If you’re considering flooring for a new home or remodeling an existing space, sit back and think about how your home will be used during the summer months. Those are the days when flip flops are back on the street and you think about hours to enjoy the… Read More

The 3rd Element to consider when living coastal: salt air Exterior Lighting ‘sprinkled’ with too much Salt Air A beautiful home a block from the ocean, had a ‘Salt Air’ problem. Although built one year ago, the exterior lantern was corroding at a fast pace. My new client loved her previous fixture but the damage… Read More

When you hear the word Coastal, it may bring to mind a picture of the New Jersey coast, or a Connecticut beach by the Long Island Sound. Or, it may bring to mind the issues of living in a Coastal area. As a designer and lover of the areas on the eastern seaboard, I have witnessed many beautiful… Read More